4 Foods That Could Chip Your Teeth

By Author: Tristan Parry
Total Articles: 54
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There’s a good chance you follow a “mouth-healthy” diet. Namely, you only have foods and drinks that help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and similar conditions. Even so, nutrition isn’t the only part of your meal worth considering. You’ll also want to watch for foods that can chip your teeth. You could lose enamel or have a dental emergency otherwise. Luckily, it’s possible to learn about such products beforehand. Be careful, then, of these four foods that can chip teeth.

Nuts
Health-wise, many people love nuts for their various vitamins and minerals. However, these tiny and dry fruits put teeth at risk.

You see, many store-bought nuts are still in their shells. (Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pistachios are good examples.) That means they can be very hard and wear down your enamel. After a certain point, biting down on them could then chip or break a tooth.

If you do eat nuts in the future, exercise caution. Don’t try to use your teeth to crack open their shells. Instead, chew them gently while keeping track of the nut casing and skin layer.

Popcorn
Compared to junk food, ...
... popcorn is often a light and healthy snack. Still, it can be rough on your teeth if you don’t pay attention.

Rather than the popcorn itself, the unpopped kernels are the problem. Biting down hard on one could crack a tooth. From there, the pearly white’s dental nerve would be exposed and at risk.

Of course, you can take steps to make popcorn less risky. One is to give your bowl a good shake beforehand, ensuring the kernels settle on its bottom. Another approach is only to have a few pieces of popcorn at a time. That way, you’re unlikely to grab (and bite) a kernel that might ruin your grin.

Jerky
For many, jerky is just a beloved, protein-rich food. The truth, though, is that it can also do a number on your smile.

Remember, jerky is dried muscle. That means it’s hard, chewy, and forces your jaw to work overtime. As such, it requires a repetitive chewing motion that can lead to a chipped or broken tooth.

When it comes to jerky, there are a few things you should try. You could buy softer brands that put less strain on your jaw. Alternatively, you might try to moisten it with water (or saliva) so it’s easier to break apart and swallow.

Ice
Being frozen water, ice seems innocent enough. Unfortunately, it’s quite dangerous for your pearly whites.

While ice is fine for cooling drinks, things change when you try chewing it. Doing so often causes microscopic hairline cracks in one’s teeth. Over time, these breaks can grow and make your chompers sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

To protect against ice, make sure you don’t chew it. The only exception might be crushed ice, as it's broken down and less hard.

As you plan your diet, avoid foods that can chip teeth. See